Springfield daily republic. [volume] (Springfield, O. [Ohio]) 1887-1888, 1887-01-29
PARTNERSHIP.

derly attached to his nephew Jack. The
fact was that, as the sole trustee and ex-
ecutor of his late brothers will, Josiah
had been accustomed for many years TO
bully the lads widowed mother, and had
rendered the poor lady's life burden 10
her by tyrannous interference and un-
called for criticism. But when Jack
Flegg, who was the widows eldest son,
became old enough TO realize the position
OF affairs, he manifested defiant and
somewhat rebellious spirit toward his
uncle, and championed his mother with
more zeal, perhaps, than discretion. The
result WAS that in course OF time old Jo-
siah discovered that his ascendency over
his sister-in-law had ceased, that his
nephewS and nieCes would not brook his
interference or listen TO his lectures al d
that, though welcomed with respect in his
late brothers house, he WAS regarded
much in the same light as an ordinary
visitor-or, at best, as an uncle and
guardian who had no particular claims
either to reverence or affection. This was
very painful TO Mr.. Josiah Flegg's feel
ings, for, being pOmpOuS, sanctimoniOus
old humbug he considered that he was
the benefactOr of his deceased brothers
family, though he would have found it
difficult to justify his pretensions. Re-
gardless of his being a rich bachelor, he
was quite incapable of any act Of kindness
or generosity, and the general impression
that his nephews and nice IS were more or
less dependent upon his bounty, was en-
tirely erroneous, seeing that the income
which he grudgingly doied out to them
was really derived from the proceeds of
his late brothers estate
II is not surprising, under these circum-
stances, that old Josiah, being as yindict-
i've as he was easily cOwed, refused to lift
a finger TO assist in giving Jack a start in
life, and he was secretly disappointed
when the lad not only succeeded in obtain
ing situation for himself in the city, but
even contrived to keep it. Nevertheless,
the amiable old gentleman INDUCED him
self in the cheerful conviction that his
nephew was a worthless scamp, and he
experienced thrill of satisfaction when
Jack burst into his Office one afternoon,
looking so agitated and anxious that il
WAS evident at a glance that something
serious had happened.
Can you give me five minutes, uncle -
inquired his nephew, in much more
deferential tone than usual.
well! WELT What is the matter :"
inquired old Josiah quickly.
Uncle Josiah. have come to make an
appeal to your generosity and kindness.
am afraid that l have been, perhaps,
sometimes not quite-well, as respectful
as l might have been, don't you know.
But / hope you will forget and forgive all
that. l was much younger, then, you
know, and my mothers health is so bad
II f,f
her"
Jack Flegg delivered this speech in such
an eager, breathless, incoherent manner,
so unlike his usual calm dcmeanor, that
observer would Immediately
have suspected the cause of his emotion.
There was a wildness about the set of his
necktie and a general disregard Of appear
ance in his dress, which are sure tokens Of
love sickness. But old Josiah, not being
to interpret these tender signs,
and being. moreover, of an unsentimental
nature, could arrive at no other conclusion
than that his nephew was drunk.
$50 ON, sir; go on. You have come to
say that you have lost your situation,
suppose" he said sternly.
'Oh, no." answered Jack, with such
easy assurance that his uncle's heart sank
tNothing of the kind In fact, should
get a rise next year if staid."
IF you staidl Amt you going to stay,
them inquired old Josiah.
That depends upon you, uncle" said
Jack, very humbly. The fact is that |
have no chance where | am Of making
anything of an income for years to come
In time, no doubt, / should obtain decent
position, but that will not be for years
until too late, in fact. "
Too late for WHAT inquired old Josiah,
more convinced than ever that his nephew
was Intoxicated.
II am coming TO that, Uncle Josiah.
The truth is, q" said Jack, looking into the |
crown of his hat and evincing other |
symptoms of embarrassment, 1.-THE truth |
IS that am engaged. "
"Whew! That's it, is it'' said old Josiah, |
with ali unCenial laugh.
Yes. 1t isn't that I'm in such tear |
ing hurry TO get married." said Jack ca
yerly. I'm quite prepared to wait a rea-
sonable time, and so is Louise. But I |
hardly like to go TOTO her father unless |
can show him some better prospect than |
have at present of being able TO keep |
wife"
No wonder" sneered old Josiah, thor |
oughly enjoying the youths confusion.
What l came, then, to ask you, Uncle |
Josiah, - said Jack, rousing himself, was |
you could give me an opening |
here in your Office. OF course / know / |
have no claim whatever upon you; but |
till, this was originally my fathers bust
less, and you have no partner. / could
yet good testimonials from my present
employers, and am sure
II suppose you would prefer to be senior
interrupted old Josiah, sarcasti-
ally.
Il don't eXpect-I don't ask for a min
lte-to be taken into partnership" said |
Jack, wincing II should, of course, hope
hat in the future, if l proved myself /
worthy, you would like to continue the
I'D name in the firm and consider that | .
I'M not an unfit person to succeed you.
You see," added the lad with burst Of
andor, ''what / chiefly want is to be ad-
nitted to your office. Whatever my pres
mt salary and prospects, if / only were in
our Office Mr.. Martineau, knowing you
md that i am your nephew, would natu-
ally listen
''Martineau! What Martineau ?" cried
Id Josiah, interrupting the food of Jacks
ration
Mr. Martineau, of Mincing lane. A
WOOL broker, isn't he - | am sure he
inows you" exclaimed Jack.
"Oho! So the young lady is daughter
4 my old friend Martineaus'' exclaimed
Id Josiah, startled into exhibiting sur
rise.
Eyes, uncle. Her name is Louise. She
; quite young, only 10, fair, blue eyes
MD
..'What does her father say'' interposed
is uncle
''Well, the fact is, deferred speaking
Intil had made an appeal TO you, uncle"
Jack, descending from the clouds.
If course, dare say, situated as l am at
resent, Mr. Martineau might-might' -
ssYes I should think so indeed " scoffed